COMMUNITY HEALTH: Officials issue caution about body art

Tuesday

Oct 15, 2013 at 6:49 PMOct 15, 2013 at 6:49 PM

Be sure to see licensed provider for tattoos, piercing, branding, scarification

Karen Botakaren.bota@sentinel-standard.com

The Ionia County Health Department is reminding citizens who want body art to be sure they visit a state-licensed body art facility to have it done.This warning comes after the health department was contacted about local parties where tattooing and other forms of body art are being performed by unlicensed individuals, which is illegal, said Ken Bowen, Ionia County acting health officer."We usually find out about these illegal tattoo parties when someone isn't happy with their tattoos, and they go to a licensed establishment to see what they can do to help them," Bowen said.Tattoos, piercing, branding and scarification are all legal, as long as they are performed in accordance with Michigan law, he added.Owners or operators of body art facilities must apply for a license through Michigan Department of Community Health.There are a number of potential health risks associated with body art, such as allergic reactions to pigments and dyes; the transmission of bloodborne diseases like hepatitis B and C and HIV; and skin infections, including the dangerous staph infection, MRSA."MRSA is a really big risk. There is a lot of MRSA linked to body art," said Bowen. "These risks are greatly increased when body art is performed outside of a licensed facility."Ionia County currently has one licensed body art facility, located in Orleans, Bowen said.If you are aware of individuals performing unlicensed body art in the community, or have questions, contact a sanitarian at the health department at 616-527-5341.For more information on body art or for a list of currently licensed body art facilities in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/bodyart.Follow Karen Bota on Twitter @KarenB_ISS.